I’ve known about the clothing brand Ole Mason Jar for a year or so, having heard about it through friends. All I really knew was that it was a men’s clothing label out of North Carolina and that it was founded by two men who went to my alma mater, Appalachian State. Being a small business owner, I love to sit down with similar businesses to learn where they started and their journey up until the present day. I didn’t expect to fall in love with the OMJ mission and the actual clothing itself.
Ole Mason Jar is relatively new to the men’s clothing scene having been founded in 2013 by Filipe Ho and Bradley Rhyne. Sitting down with these two on a rainy day at the 7th Street Public Market was like chatting with old friends after a few years a part. They spoke eloquently about the brand, and men’s fashion in general, making me think they are true pros at what they do. Both Bradley and Filipe hold full time jobs in addition to Ole Mason Jar, yet have found a way to make this brand something amazing.
Here’s why you’re going to love Ole Mason Jar:
- Designed, manufactured, produced, and housed in North Carolina. Do you know how many jobs that supports in our state? (I can’t tell you, but if it’s even one I think that’s great.) They sell online and at The Sporting Gent on Selwyn.
- Both owners just turned 30 and are successful, young business owners. They do everything themselves from graphics to photography, marketing and supply management. The only thing they leave to the professionals is the production of their shirts and other goods.
- All OMJ products are handcrafted and hand sewn by second- and third-generation seamstresses. This means the attention to detail on everything they brand is impeccable. You would be hard tried to find issues with any of the shirts or other products which is a real rarity these days.
- Their clothing is not your typical, Southern, preppy, style and brands like Southern Tide and Vineyard Vines aren’t necessarily competition. Ole Mason Jar is known for it’s slim fitting styles which are very different from other southern-based companies. The aesthetic is pretty forward compared to similar brands.
- Their product range is wide. They have the expected button downs and polos, but have fun bowties with matching pocket squares, T-shirts, and a line of leather gifts including coasters and can sleeves. You can completely deck out your wardrobe and home with Made in North Carolina goods.
- Ole Mason Jar gives back to the community. A proceed from every shirt sold means a meal on a less fortunate family’s table. OMJ partners with Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina to support families in the Charlotte and surrounding area.
- These guys are seriously cool. Both have interesting backgrounds with stories they’re happy to share. They have a business relationship unheard of, appreciating each others differences and opinions and using those to better their business. We all could really learn a thing or two from them.
You can buy Ole Mason Jar products at their website or send some love and ask to try on the shirts in person. They’ve shipped their products all over the world, but maybe it’s time we cover Charlotte in homegrown (literally!) menswear.
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